How do I sign up?
Do I have to buy the VBS Starter Kit to participate?
How many Prayer Bear kits will I need?
How long does it take to complete a Prayer Bear?
How do you make a Prayer Bear?
Where do I get Prayer Bears?
Can I create Prayer Bears using my own pattern and materials?
Do I have to send the Prayer Bears to International Bible Society for distribution?
Can my preschoolers help?
What do I do with the bears when we're finished?
How do I sign up?
If you’re participating in Group’s Avalanche Ranch VBS, you’re already “signed up” Just check out the Operation Kid-to-Kid section in your Director Manual for details. (pages 45-56)
Do I have to buy the VBS Starter Kit in order to participate?
No. Even if you're not hosting an Avalanche Ranch VBS, you can get involved in Operation Kid-to-Kid. Making Prayer Bears is a great mission project for...
• Small groups
• Youth groups
• Women’s groups
• Seniors Bible studies
• any group in your church that has a heart for missions
How many Prayer Bears kits will I need?
At Avalanche Ranch, we recommend purchasing two Prayer Bears per child. Each child will create one Prayer Bear to send to Africa and one Prayer Bear to keep. The Prayer Bear the child keeps serves as a reminder to pray for the children in Africa.
How long does it take to complete a Prayer Bear?
A child can complete two bears in less than an hour. Adult small groups may be able to work more quickly - it depends on how distracted they get while talking!
How do you make a Prayer Bear?
It's easy!
1. Open the Velcro® closures on the bear.
2. Stuff the bear with small handfuls of polyfil.
3. Close the Velcro closures.
4. Personalize and tuck the provided message (it's in the Daily Challenge® strips) inside the bear. You'll even find a special sticker inside each Wild Ride Bible Guide. Add the sticker to the message card to share God's love in three different languages!
Where do I get Prayer Bears?
Prayer Bear kits are available from Group by calling 1-800-447-1070 or online at www.group.com/vbs. You can also order them from Group VBS suppliers.
Can I create Prayer Bears using my own pattern and materials?
Sure—but you’ll find that the special mission price of this kit lets you get the polar fleece cheaper here than elsewhere. Plus it’s pre-cut and has a handy pocket and Velcro closures already in place.
Also, if you plan to send your Prayer Bears to Africa through International Bible Society, they must be printed in English, French, and Spanish. It’s important that items distributed among children are identical so no one feels left out.
Do I have to send the Prayer Bears to International Bible Society for distribution?
Feel free to tweak your Operation Kid-to-Kid™ program. You can use your bears as a local community service project—or send the items with your church mission team.
Can my preschoolers help?
Absolutely! Preschoolers love to stuff the bears with polyfil. Little ones will be proud that they helped make these soft, cuddly bears!
What do I do with the bears when we're finished?
Once your Avalanche Ranch has ended, send your completed Prayer Bears to International Bible Society for distribution. Here’s how…
1. Look at each bear to be sure it’s finished.
2. Place the bears and all copies of The Survivor’s Bible in a sturdy box. Include a check for $25 made out to International Bible Society. This helps defray distribution costs.
3. Seal the box and mail it to:
International Bible Society
c/o Operation Kid-to-Kid
1820 Jet Stream Drive
Colorado Springs, CO 80921 |
